Please read the information below about volunteering on our 24-hour Crisis Line and enrolling in the Winter 2017, 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy (DVA) training. DVA training is a state-mandated training under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act which grants volunteers opportunities to work directly with clients and is required to volunteer on the line.

• DVA training begins Tuesday, February 14. It is held every Tuesday evening from 6 PM to 9 PM and every Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM (time built in for a lunch break). Training takes place for five weeks straight, ending on Saturday, March 18, for 10 sessions in total.

• Participants cannot miss more than three days of training and will have make-up assignments for any missed sessions.

• Once you complete the training, you are a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate who volunteers to answer calls on our 24-hour Crisis Line. All volunteers commit to Crisis Line for at least six months, signing up to complete at least two shifts per month.

• The training is located at the Sarah's Inn office in Oak Park, a short walk from the CTA blue line and free street parking.

• Training is provided free of charge to participants who have been accepted as volunteers (we do, however, request a $ 25 materials fee). If you are not interested in volunteering with Sarah's Inn, but would like to obtain the Domestic Violence Advocate certification, the cost for the training is $250.

A completed application, two references, and a volunteer interview are required to become a Crisis Line volunteer. Please note, an interview does not guarantee that you will be selected for a Crisis Line volunteer position, but there may be other opportunities for you to be involved with Sarah's Inn as a volunteer.

To apply for a volunteer Crisis Line position in Winter 2017, please complete the application and two references by January 27, 2017. Application and references are found on our website: www.sarahsinn.org.

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